Catalogue

Summary of interview item: Describes family background in Leicester, mentions grandmother's betting shop being raided by police; parents in hosiery then publicans in Woolpack, Catherine Street, 1933 through World War II. Describes pub in detail, mention of local gypsies, popular drinks, tuberculosis outbreak of 1947. More details of running pub, clientele, standing of landlords in community, illegal 'pitch and toss'. Recalls being well off as only child, outlines progress through education to job as dyer at Corah's, Leicester. Story of parents winning pools, retiring, spending money, returning to pub trade. Recalls limited social life in Leicester, anecdote illustrates parents' respect for police, reflects on limited aspirations and outlook. Anecdote of American soldier using racist language in pub, brief mention of a soldier being stabbed. Describes clothes worn, diet at home. Explains how had 'teenage' years after National Service in mid-1950s, feeling of wanting to break out. Mentions playing sport, area around Catherine Street. Talks about National Service, learning to work the system, mentions fights with 'teddy boys' when in early 20s. Mentions popularity of sport, getting work through social connections. Describes how he changed when came out of forces, clothes, social life.Place of birth: LeicesterEducation: Gateway grammarMarital Status: Married, Children:Father's Occupation: Clicker; PublicanMother's Occupation: Hosiery workerLocation: County: LeicestershireLocation: Town/Place: LeicesterPeriods Covered: 1930s, 1940s, 1950sLanguage: English